Dec 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws towards the Ohio State Buckeyes through the second half of the School Soccer Playoff first spherical recreation at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State received 42-17. Obligatory Credit score: Adam Cairns-Imagn Photos Beginning quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out at Tennessee amid a contract dispute, a number of retailers reported Saturday.
Tennessee will play its spring Orange & White recreation with out Iamaleava on Saturday, and he’s now not with this system, per studies. Coach Josh Heupel is anticipated to speak concerning the scenario after the sport.
Iamaleava and the varsity had been in discussions over his title, picture and likeness cash. The Knoxville Information Sentinel reported that Iamaleava, 20, needed a rise from his greater than $2 million annual NIL bundle, with ESPN including he was looking for to double that quantity.
He did not present as much as apply on Friday and isn’t talking with coaches, and that apparently was the ultimate straw for Heupel and Tennessee.
The spring switch portal opens Wednesday, and Iamaleava can enter then. As a redshirt sophomore, he could have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
With out Iamaleava, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre transfer into the lead for the beginning job. Heupel additionally might look to the portal for an skilled QB.
ESPN reported that officers from Tennessee’s NIL collective already are involved with representatives for potential 2025 quarterbacks.
Iamaleava performed sparingly as a freshman in 2023 earlier than taking up the beginning position final fall. In his first season as a starter, he accomplished 63.8 % of his passes for two,616 yards and 19 touchdowns towards 5 interceptions, main Tennessee to a 10-3 report and a School Soccer Playoff look.
The Vols completed ninth within the closing AP ballot following their 42-17 first-round loss to eventual champion Ohio State.
When Iamaleava was in highschool in Southern California, 247Sports ranked him because the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 2 participant within the nation, behind Arch Manning, within the Class of 2023.
–Area Stage Media
